As spring temperatures rise, flies become more attracted to wheelie bins

Flies are typically attracted to wheelie bins in gardens, mainly because of the plentiful food waste contained within. Upon arrival, they lay their eggs, which can transform into maggots in just 24 hours.

As the weather improves heading into spring, these nuisances become increasingly drawn to wheelie bins. Flies generally start causing problems around late March, when temperatures reliably reach 10°C, as they flourish in warm, damp conditions, such as bins.

Whilst many households resort to hosing down their wheelie bins, this approach only dislodges some grime without properly eliminating the stubborn residue or bacteria that build up on the plastic.

To prevent flies and maggots from invading your household rubbish bin, a commercial cleaning specialist who operates the Instagram account @thecleangroup has revealed a two-step method, insisting this will "keep those maggots from feasting on your bin juice for good".

The first step is to remove any maggots that may already be living in your wheelie bin. To achieve this, begin by boiling a kettle and tipping the water into your bin.

The cleaning professionals highlighted that "boiling water kills maggots instantly".

Following the water treatment, simply dispose of the maggots and give it a gentle scrub with some washing-up liquid if desired. Alternatively, "a quick blast with the garden hose will do", the cleaner suggests.

The following step proves crucial if you want to deter more flies - and that involves fetching some salt from your kitchen cupboards. Scatter a handful of table salt each time you empty your bin, as "flies hate salt".

The expert said: "It [salt] stops any stray eggs or larvae from hatching, soaks up your bin juice and will kill any flies who eat it."

Household rubbish often contains liquids from leftover food, which can leak from plastic bags and pool at the bottom of a bin, creating nasty smells that lure flies.

Along with using salt, the cleaner also suggests lining the base of your bin with newspaper as it "absorbs drips".

Newspaper is highly absorbent, so placing it at the bottom of the bin will soak up excess moisture and help keep the space dry, reducing the risk of pests or bacteria.

You can either lay several sheets of newspaper flat at the bottom of the bin or scrunch a bundle and place it inside. Remember to swap out the newspaper monthly, as this will help keep your bin fresher.